I was perusing an alleged Worldwide Leader in Sports' fantasy articles and saw a column where readers were asking one of their experts for some advice about what to do with slumping players, this one was specifically about Ryan Howard.

The advice given by the expert was to ride out Howard's slump. He said, you drafted him for a reason, so you have to play him. Okay, that's partially right. First, why aren't people coming here to GSI for their fantasy advice. I'm confident that they'd get better advice here, than at the other place. For example, here's the proper response to what to do with a slumping stud.

Don't be afraid to move Howard to your bench for now. If you have another option, even if it's a flash-in-the-pan waiver wire find like maybe Casey Kotchman. Kotchman's .345 clip is currently better than Howard's .189. So, ride the pine big man and welcome Kotchman in with open arms. I definitely do not agree with the premise that just because you invested an early pick in someone that you have to play them. Are you going to keep throwing CC Sabbathia out there in your fantasy lineup right now? 

Until these slumping studs find their way (and make no mistake, barring a hidden injury, they will find their way) to the numbers you expect from them, don't be afraid to bench them. Now, don't pull a "Fessler" and drop them altogether to the waiver wire. That's not good practice. And don't try to put them up on the trading block, because you won't get value for them while they're slumping. Just be patient, but be patient with them, while they're on your bench.